S:US https://sus.org Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:49:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7 Opinion: On food assistance, we’re flying blind https://sus.org/opinion-on-food-assistance-were-flying-blind/ Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:49:37 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28773 Perry Perlmutter (center in blue shirt) stocking a community fridge in the Bronx with day habilitation program participants.

October 13, 2026
City & State NY
Op-ed by Perry Perlmutter and Justin Sanchez

New York City’s frontline food-security providers are stepping up to meet a moment of extraordinary need, keeping families from falling through ever-expanding cracks wrought by new federal SNAP eligibility requirements. Their work is more important and sophisticated than ever before, and they are being asked to do it blind. Without a clear picture of who is losing benefits, where those losses are concentrated and why, providers are forced to respond to a crisis they cannot fully see.

The expanded work rules took effect March 1. Some adults up to age 64 must complete a report on work, training, education or community-service hours unless they qualify for an exemption. After three countable months without meeting the rules, their benefits may stop.

In the South Bronx, where one of us represents residents on the City Council, we hear every day from people losing benefits, both because of the new requirements and because of deep cuts to the federal staff who oversee these programs.

For many of these families, the difference between keeping and losing food assistance comes down to circumstances completely out of their control. Notices go to old addresses. Work hours fluctuate. Shifts are canceled. All the while, their need for food does not change.

New York City’s first response showed what determined outreach can accomplish. City Hall reported in June that its work helped 223,000 New Yorkers maintain SNAP, reducing by 65% the number projected to lose benefits. Yet 40,000 people remained at risk.

Neighborhood providers can help a family get through the week. But they cannot replace the groceries a household can choose and buy with SNAP. As new federal rules put thousands of New Yorkers at risk of losing benefits, New York City must track who falls off the rolls and make trusted neighborhood providers a permanent part of its food-security response.

Those headline figures give us a window into what the city prevented, but not what happened to the people who remained at risk. The administration should continue to publish how many New Yorkers lost SNAP because of the new rules, why they lost it, how many qualified for exemptions and how many later regained benefits. The data should also show where losses are concentrated so outreach can follow the need.

The city also needs lasting capacity to help people navigate the system. The City Council’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes a $1.4 million Food Access and Benefits initiative for SNAP education, screening, applications and recertification help. The administration and council should treat that funding as a foundation, determine whether it is reaching the neighborhoods with the most benefit losses and provide the resources needed to close the gaps.

New York is on the clock. On Oct. 1, the state began a new three-year tracking period. That means some New Yorkers who lost benefits under the old period may be eligible again, if someone reaches them. The Department of Social Services should release the full results from the period that just ended and a plan for reconnecting eligible people now, before the new clock runs down on them too.

The stakes are especially high in the Bronx. The state comptroller found that 20.2% of Bronx residents experienced food insecurity in 2022, the highest rate in the five boroughs. Food prices across the New York City metropolitan area rose 25.2% from 2019 through early 2025. Families were already stretching every dollar before these rules arrived.

At Services for the UnderServed, food security is looked at through the lens of four conditions: availability, access, stability and utilization. The nine community fridges we stock and maintain improve availability and access. They offer low-barrier help close to home, without an application or appointment. SNAP provides stability and choice: the ability to plan meals, shop for dietary needs and buy groceries throughout the month.

Supporters of work requirements argue that they encourage employment, but the evidence should give us pause. A peer-reviewed study published by the American Economic Association found that an earlier rollout sharply reduced SNAP participation among adults subject to the rules but had no effect on employment. In New York City, 82% of single-adult SNAP recipients already had earnings, according to the city. Losing food assistance over a missed notice or reporting step does not create a job or a predictable schedule.

A community fridge can help someone eat tonight. Keeping an eligible household on SNAP gives that household the power to plan for the month. New York should be judged by whether people who qualify can keep the help they need – and frontline providers need the information to see where people are falling through the cracks and respond.

Perry Perlmutter is the president and CEO of Services for the UnderServed. Justin Sanchez is a New York City Council member representing Council District 17 in the South Bronx.

Read the original article here.

]]> S:US holds annual Developmental Disabilities Championships in Astoria Park https://sus.org/sus-holds-annual-developmental-disabilities-championships-in-astoria-park/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:52:07 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28760 Services for the UnderServed (S:US) hosted its annual Developmental Disabilities Championships and Family Fun Day in Astoria Park on Oct. 8. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

October 8, 2026
QNS
Shane O’Brien

Hundreds of people basked in the October sunshine in Astoria Park Thursday morning for Services for the UnderServed’s annual Olympic-style Developmental Disabilities Championships, celebrating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across New York City.

Services for the UnderServed (S:US), a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable New York by empowering adults with disabilities, hosted the annual championships and Family Fun Day at the Astoria Park Running Track, kicking off proceedings with an Olympic-style opening ceremony and parade.

The championships began with an Olympic-style parade. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.

The championships began with an Olympic-style parade. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Over 600 individuals participated in the championships, which featured track-and-field events, basketball games and arts and crafts.

Cheered on by hundreds of onlookers, participants donned mostly orange and blue clothing in honor of the 2026 theme, “Anything’s Possible,” which celebrated the Knicks’ NBA Championship victory.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Monica Santos, S:US’ chief program officer, said the event aims to empower and platform individuals with developmental disabilities.

“People with developmental disabilities haven’t been afforded the same choices as everyone else,” Santos said at Thursday’s event. “This event is really about ensuring that they have the same opportunities that you or I have.”

Monica Santos poses with SUS athletes at Astoria Park on Thursday. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.

Monica Santos (left) poses with S:US athletes at Astoria Park on Thursday. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

The annual event, founded 17 years ago, has more than tripled in size since its inaugural year, Santos said, providing families of individuals with developmental disabilities with an opportunity to see their children compete in athletic competition. She noted that as recently as around 40 years ago, many families would have had no options but to institutionalize their children.

“Forty years ago, you were told to institutionalize your child. Now you’re told your child can have an amazing life in the community, and it gives them hope and it gives them comfort because so many families worry what’s going to happen when they’re not here,” Santos said. 

Although Santos believes that society has made enormous strides in how it has treated individuals with disabilities, she believes some obstacles still remain, including societal stigma toward developmentally disabled individuals.

“It’s the stigma that people have about people with disabilities, not giving them the same opportunities,” she said. “Funding is also always an issue.” 

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Latima Anderson Mason, who oversees S:US’ seven residences in Queens, said the event is both empowering and inspiring for the individuals who take part. She added that events like annual sporting competitions help provide normalcy for developmentally disabled people and their families.

“They should be able to live their best life,” Anderson Mason said.

As much as events like the annual championship are important for empowering individuals, it is equally important for showcasing the issues they face and creating a sense of normalcy, she added.

“Inclusion can still be a challenge,” Anderson Mason said. “We really want to get the word out to have normalcy for everyone, to understand people with different abilities.”

S:US residences from across the city crafted banners celebrating the 2026 theme ahead of Thursday’s championships, with prizes for most creative, most inclusive and best banner.

All seven Queens residences crafted a connected "train" banner. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.

All seven Queens residences crafted a connected “train” banner. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Both Santos and Anderson Mason said participants had been working on their banners for many months as anticipation and excitement for the 2026 championships built.

“They start looking forward to this event the day after the last one happens,” Santos said. “Some of them work on their banner for months… I tell them the date for the next one the day after the championships.”

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Anderson Mason, a parent of a child with a disability, said participants had been talking about the event “for weeks.”

“This is one of those days we look forward to every year,” she said. “Everyone is looking forward to this, whether they’re making their banner or whether they’re shopping for their outfit to compete in the championship. No matter what it is, everybody comes together on this day and just has a wonderful time.” 

Read the original article here.

]]> New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities Take Center Stage at Annual Championships https://sus.org/new-yorkers-with-developmental-disabilities-take-center-stage-at-annual-championships/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:46:49 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28753 Program participants and staff receive an award for their banner.

Click here to view more photos and videos.

For Immediate Release: October 8, 2026

Media Contact: sus@berlinrosen.com, 305-905-1536

Olympics-style parade, athletic competitions and family activities bring New Yorkers together to celebrate achievement, connection and inclusion

ASTORIA PARK – New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities took to the track and field at Astoria Park today for Services for the UnderServed’s (S:US) annual Developmental Disabilities Championships and Family Fun Day, bringing together participants, families and staff for a day of friendly competition and community.

The celebration began with an Olympics-style parade, and continued with track and field competitions, relay races, and arts and crafts. Participants supported by Services for the UnderServed competed, cheered one another on and celebrated their accomplishments alongside family members, friends and staff.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to be part of a community where they build meaningful relationships and pursue their dreams,” said Monica Santos, Chief Program Officer of Services for the UnderServed. “Our Developmental Disabilities Championships helps people we support in our residential and day programs cheer each other on, connect and have fun surrounded by their families, friends, and the staff who support them. It’s a joyful reminder of the kind of New York we want to help build, one where every person has the opportunity and support to live a full life.”

Services for the UnderServed supports approximately 700 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as those with neurologic and psychiatric disorders, through day habilitation programs, behavioral health services, and supportive housing. Its work is grounded in the belief that, with the right support systems, people with I/DD can guide their own lives, deepen relationships, participate in their communities, and experience life to their fullest potential. Participants supported by Services for the UnderServed competed, cheered one another on and celebrated their accomplishments alongside family members, friends and staff.

For more information about Services for the UnderServed’s Developmental Disabilities Services, visit SUS.org.

###

About Services for the UnderServed (S:US):

S:US helps vulnerable New Yorkers build stable, healthy, and fulfilling lives, starting with a safe place to call home. Through homelessness prevention, affordable and supportive housing, and services that promote health, independence, and community, S:US creates pathways to lasting stability. Even as it serves tens of thousands annually, S:US meets each person with dedicated support shaped around their own path and goals. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

]]> How a Windowsill Garden Helped Linda Grow a New Future https://sus.org/how-a-windowsill-garden-helped-linda-grow-a-new-future/ https://sus.org/how-a-windowsill-garden-helped-linda-grow-a-new-future/#respond Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:25:04 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28746 When Linda became a first-time mother while living in transitional housing, she was determined to build a brighter future for herself and her daughter. What began as a small container garden on a windowsill would eventually grow into a years-long journey of healing and leadership through Services for the UnderServed (S:US)’ Urban Farms® program.  

Linda first encountered Services for the UnderServed while living at the Dorothy McGowan Residence in Washington Heights, where S:US provided supportive services to residents. The stability of transitional housing and supportive services helped create a foundation for a new chapter in her life. 

“Living at Dorothy McGowan was tremendous and pivotal for me,” Linda shared, “Having housing has been beneficial in a way that it has changed the trajectory of not just my life, but also my daughter’s life and countless other people.”  

As she focused on raising her daughter, Linda sought ways to reconnect with herself and the natural world. 

“I set an intention to connect back with nature and to take hold and cultivate my feminine energy in this process of healing,” she said. “So, with the help of my daughter, I created a DIY container garden on my one windowsill.” 

That small garden sparked a passion for growing food and becoming more self-sufficient. Around the same time, S:US Urban Farms® partnered with Dorothy McGowan Residence to teach residents how to grow their own food and build healthier communities. Linda began volunteering as an Urban Farmer and quickly discovered a meaningful way to give back. 

“I felt like I was magnetized for the opportunity to work with S:US Urban Farms®… I volunteered for a year, and I’ve been working with them ever since, for over three years now,” Linda recalled. 

After a year of volunteering, Linda’s natural talent for gardening and passion for helping others caught the attention of S:US Urban Farms® leadership, who encouraged her to apply for a paid position with the program. Since joining the Urban Farms team, she has spent the past three years helping community members across New York City grow food, build connections, and access fresh produce. 

“I’m honored that I have been able to work with S:US Urban Farms® and also have been able to serve others in my community that has been in the same position, who has had housing insecurities as well as food insecurities.” 

For Linda, S:US Urban Farms is a therapeutic agricultural space. Inspired by her own creative interests, she helped launch a healing arts project at one of the gardens, inviting residents to contribute to a community mural. 

“We’re able to utilize the garden space as a space of healing that brings people together,” Linda explained. 

What began as a way to reconnect with nature became a shared journey for both mother and daughter. As Linda’s role with Urban Farms grew from volunteer to employee, her daughter remained by her side through each new chapter.  

“[My daughter] has been here with me every step of the way,“ Linda said. “She’s been my inspiration. We’ve built so many milestones with S:US Urban Farms® over the years. And we’re so grateful.” 

Today, Linda sees S:US Urban Farms® as a community that has helped her grow through some of life’s most pivotal moments. Now, she is paying that support forward by investing in the neighborhoods that once invested in her and helping other New Yorkers build better lives. 

“Working with S:US Urban Farms® has allowed me to engage and meet so many beautiful people. It feels not just a place of employment, but it feels like a family,” she shared, “I came from foster care so I don’t have a large network and I definitely don’t have family support, so [S:US] has filled in as family in our lives and has made this healing journey so profound for us.”

 

]]> https://sus.org/how-a-windowsill-garden-helped-linda-grow-a-new-future/feed/ 0 Go Purple to Honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month https://sus.org/go-purple-to-honor-domestic-violence-awareness-month/ https://sus.org/go-purple-to-honor-domestic-violence-awareness-month/#respond Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:01:41 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28720 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time for everyone to unite in the work to end domestic violence. Domestic violence (DV) occurs in every part of our city, among people of all races, cultures, religions, and income levels. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. 

There are many ways that you can be an ally this October and all year long:

  • Wear purple on October 15 for #PurpleThursday in recognition of survivors and let them know that help is available
  • Share the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline number: call 800.942.6906, text 844.997.2121
  • Share the National Domestic Violence Hotline: visit thehotline.org, call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224), or text “START” to 88788 
  • Share resources with friends, family, coworkers, or the people we serve (you can also filter resources on the NYC Hope website by location, service, etc.)
  • Here are more ways to be an ally from the Hotline, NYC Hope, and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. 

S:US operates a domestic violence shelter in New York City, offering respite and sanctuary for women, men, and their children who have experienced domestic violence. We provide counseling and a place where individuals and families can feel safe and secure so they can rebuild their lives.

New York City also has Family Justice Centers in every borough, where victims and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence can get connected to free and confidential assistance.

Thank you to our amazing staff for supporting the families in our shelters, stabilizing their lives, and helping them find permanent housing. 

]]> https://sus.org/go-purple-to-honor-domestic-violence-awareness-month/feed/ 0 A Building Reborn. A Community Welcomed Home. https://sus.org/a-building-reborn-a-community-welcomed-home/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:31:18 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28567 Join Services for the UnderServed (S:US) and our partners for a special housewarming celebration as we mark the transformation of West 45th Street and welcome residents home to a new chapter filled with stability, opportunity, and hope.

What was once a neglected and deteriorating property has been transformed into quality affordable housing, creating stability, opportunity, and a true sense of home for New Yorkers. This milestone reflects the power of partnership and a shared commitment to ensuring more people have access to safe, dignified housing.

Event Details

West 45th Street Housewarming 
Wednesday, October 28
9am-11am (speaking program begins at 10am)
355 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
RSVP today

The West 45th Street development consists of four 20-unit buildings at 351-357 West 45th Street, bringing a total of 80 affordable apartments to the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan. Co-developed by Services for the UnderServed, SMJ Development, and Highpoint Property Group, the project creates new opportunities for New Yorkers transitioning from shelter to permanent housing.

Through partnerships with NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development and NYC Human Resources Administration, S:US will master lease 70 of the 80 apartments and provide homes for New Yorkers currently living in the Department of Homeless Services shelter system. Following move-in, S:US will continue supporting residents through Affordable Housing Services, helping individuals and families build healthy, stable, connected lives.

Guests will enjoy light refreshments, guided tours, and the opportunity to learn more about the collaborative effort that transformed these buildings into new homes and new beginnings.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the transformation of West 45th Street and welcome our newest neighbors home.

RSVP today.

]]> Help Bring Holiday Joy https://sus.org/help-bring-holiday-joy/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:08:28 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28708 For more than 25 years, Services for the UnderServed’s Holiday Gift Project has helped bring the holiday spirit to people in our programs across New York City.

Many of the people we serve may be spending the holidays alone or without the resources to purchase gifts for themselves or their loved ones. Your generosity helps ensure everyone experiences the warmth and magic of the season. Help bring holiday joy to 1,400+ New Yorkers supported by S:US.


Who You Will Help

  • Children living in family shelters, domestic violence shelters, and supportive housing
  • Adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities
  • Seniors with disabilities
  • Veterans in need of support


How You Can Help

  • “Adopt” wishes by emailing Siona Schmid at sschmid@sus.org with the number of individuals you’d like to gift. We’ll send you their names and wishes.
  • Organize a drive: Get your coworkers, friends, family, or community involved. Reach out to Siona Schmid at sschmid@sus.org for more information. We’ll provide resources to help you organize your drive and spread the word.
  • Host a gift-wrapping party: Turn your holiday gathering into an opportunity to give back by wrapping gifts for S:US. Prefer not to wrap? You can send your gifts unwrapped and we’ll take care of it!
  • Make a monetary donation and we’ll shop for you.
  • Purchase gifts from our Amazon Gift List.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get involved?

Email Siona Schmid at sschmid@sus.org with the number of individuals whose wishes you’d like to fulfill.

How much should I spend on each individual?

We ask our programs to keep the individuals’ wishes under $40.

Can I spend more?

Of course, we do not want to quash anyone’s generosity. However, if you have the means, please spread the wealth and adopt more gift wishes.

What if I can’t find (or afford) the person’s wish?

No worries! The wishes are suggestions, and you should not feel obligated to fulfill a wish exactly. If you’re having trouble finding an item or it’s outside your budget, please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.

I don’t enjoy shopping. Can I still participate?

Definitely! You can make a monetary donation above and we will do the shopping for you. You can also purchase items from our Amazon Gift List that contains individuals’ wishes. Additionally, gift cards are also a popular request, especially among teens and young adults. It allows individuals to make their own purchases. Just let us know and we’ll send you individuals who specifically request gift cards.

What is the best way to put names of gift recipients on stockings/gifts/bags?

You can staple, glue, or tape the names on. If you are feeling crafty, feel free to get creative with gift tags or decorations!

Should the gifts be wrapped?

We’d appreciate it if the gifts came wrapped, but no worries if not — we can take care of it on our end!

What is the deadline to drop off gifts?

December 9, 2026, is the deadline to drop off gifts.

Where do I send or drop off the gifts?

Please send or drop off gifts to 463 Seventh Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10018, Attention: Siona Schmid

Can I drop off gifts?

Yes, you can. Our business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. Please contact Siona Schmid at sschmid@sus.org or 646-588-9774 to schedule your drop-off.

Can my company, school, or community organize a Holiday Gift Drive?

Absolutely! Gather your coworkers, friends, family, or community to fulfill holiday wishes together. Email Siona Schmid at sschmid@sus.org and we’ll provide information and materials to help you get started. You can also bring your group together for a gift-wrapping party before sending the gifts to S:US.

For further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Siona Schmid, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, at sschmid@sus.org or 646-588-9774.

]]> S:US Hosts 16th Annual Harvest Celebration, Showcasing Urban Farms Program’s Impact https://sus.org/sus-hosts-16th-annual-harvest-celebration-showcasing-urban-farms-programs-impact/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:46:11 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28704 Food Justice Award Recipients: Cheryl McDonald, Ronald Mease, Darwin Mejia, Yvette McBean.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 16, 2026

CONTACT:
sus@berlinrosen.com

Urban Farms Program has grown over 14,000 pounds of food to keep vulnerable New Yorkers from going hungry

Photos and Videos Can Be Found HERE

The Bronx, NY – Earlier today, Services for the UnderServed (S:US) hosted its 16th Harvest Celebration, an annual gathering of farmers, volunteers, and community leaders who are leading the fight against rising food insecurity during Hunger Action Month.  

The Harvest Celebration showcased the work of Services for the UnderServed’s Urban Farms program, which uses gardens and beehives across New York City to grow fresh food while creating meaningful opportunities for program participants. Through the program, these urban farmers, residents of S:US’ supportive housing, and day habilitation program participants for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, build employment skills, experience the therapeutic benefits of working with plants, and give back to their communities. 

This year’s Harvest Celebration arrived as the rising cost of living continues to push families into food insecurity. As SNAP work-reporting requirements begin to take effect, more than ever, New Yorkers are looking for community-based solutions to address this crisis. In response, Services for the UnderServed works to meet that need through a range of food-access programs, including community fridges, emergency food distribution, and its Urban Farms program, which cultivates 14,000 pounds of fresh produce and honey across 98 growing sites across New York City – equating to roughly 10,000 meals. 

“Having a stable home can change the course of someone’s life, but lasting stability also means being able to put healthy food on the table and feel connected to your community,” said Perry Perlmutter, President and CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “Our Urban Farms program brings those pieces together. The food grown here goes directly into our communities, while the gardens give the people we serve opportunities to build skills, contribute, and take pride in what they’ve created. At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling with the cost of basic necessities, this work matters.” 

Complementing Urban Farms, S:US’ five community fridges—three in Brooklyn and two in the Bronx—have been running since 2022 and are stocked regularly with produce and pantry essentials for neighbors in need, free of charge.   

At the Harvest Celebration, Services for the UnderServed launched a Free Pop-Up Store pilot, where donated clothing and household goods were made available to community members at no cost, giving quality items a second life and helping meet everyday community needs. The pop-up also served as a hands-on vocational training opportunity for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities supported by S:US. 

This year’s Harvest Celebration was held at Starhill Phase I, a new multi-phased, mixed-use affordable and supportive housing development that brings 326 affordable apartments to the Morris Heights community. The organization held a food drive and attendees participated in wellness and nutritional education activities, ate fresh food grown from S:US’ Urban Farms, and heard from community advocates. The donations from the food drive will supplement S:US’ ongoing efforts to provide vital food assistance to families and communities in need. 

For more information on Services for the UnderServed, visit sus.org.  

### 

About Services for the UnderServed (S:US):  

S:US helps vulnerable New Yorkers build stable, healthy, and fulfilling lives, starting with a place to call home. Through homelessness prevention, affordable and supportive housing, and services that promote health, independence, and community, S:US creates pathways to lasting stability. Even as it serves tens of thousands annually, S:US meets each person with dedicated support shaped around their own path and goals. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. 

]]> S:US Day Habilitation Program Participants Dive Into Summer Fun https://sus.org/sus-day-habilitation-program-participants-dive-into-summer-fun/ https://sus.org/sus-day-habilitation-program-participants-dive-into-summer-fun/#respond Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:16:11 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28683 Photo: S:US Day Habilitation program participants, Christopher, Wandalys, and Jaime, with staff after a fun day at the Sunset Park public pool.

 

This summer, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities supported at S:US’ 5th Avenue Day Habilitation Program went swimming at the New York City public pool in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. It was a warm, sunny day and a great way to cool off! Yvette McBean, the Program Director of 5th Avenue Day Habilitation Program, enjoys taking participants to this pool every year to practice their swimming skills and take advantage of the many free opportunities New York City offers the community in the summer. She shared that one participant “…was very excited about swimming in this pool because years ago, he competed in the Special Olympics. It was his first swim in an outdoor pool in a long time.  This is his first year attending S:US’ day habilitation program and he was so happy to go into the deep end since he is a strong swimmer.”

Among those enjoying the swim was Christopher, a participant in the 5th Avenue Day Habilitation Program, who said: “It was cool, refreshing, felt good and fun. I want to go again!”

Wandalys, another participant, expressed , “It was so good to swim with friends. It was fun and refreshing.” 

Jaime, who also cherished the day, shared “I splashed around and stayed in the shallow end.  I taught myself how to swim when I was younger because we had a pool in our backyard.  I had a wonderful time and I hope to go again.”

Theosha Cutler, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who works with Jaime, stated “It was a great experience. The folks we support really enjoyed it and it was my first time swimming with them along with their first time at this pool. I swim on my own but seeing the expressions on their faces –  their smiles and joy, how they lit up – it was amazing! I was grateful that I could be a part of the activity, see them swim and witness their joy. It was new for all of us.”

We are grateful to the DSPs and staff for supporting our Day Habilitation Program participants in their adventure of a swimming session!

]]> https://sus.org/sus-day-habilitation-program-participants-dive-into-summer-fun/feed/ 0 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month https://sus.org/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-2/ https://sus.org/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-2/#respond Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:29:04 +0000 https://sus.org/?p=28648 September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. 

We have many people on staff and people we serve who are Hispanic/Latino. Do you get these two terms confused? Simply put, Hispanic refers to language (people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations) and Latino refers to geography (people from or descended from people from Latin America). Learn more.

Why does this month-long celebration start in mid-September? September 15 coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), followed by Mexico on the 16th, Chile on the 18th, and Belize on the 21st. Día de la Raza, or Indigenous Peoples Day, is celebrated in Mexico and other countries on October 12. In total, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates communities with roots in 20 Latin American countries and territories. American Latinos make up more than 19% of the United States population (1 in every 4 children is Hispanic/Latino).

Check out these events honoring Hispanic Heritage Month:

We stand with our staff, friends, neighbors, the people we serve, and all Hispanic Americans. We will continue to work towards racial equity and social justice.

]]> https://sus.org/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-2/feed/ 0